Rep. Mike Rice

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates The Wilson House in East Dorset, Vermont, on its 35th anniversary. It does not create new laws or change any policies, but instead formally acknowledges the facility's history and its role as a recovery-focused destination. The resolution recognizes the building's significance as the birthplace of Bill Wilson, a co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, and notes its status as a historic site and recovery center. The Vermont General Assembly directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this congratulatory message to The Wilson House.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates the winning teams of the 2023 15th Jr Iron Chef VT competition, a culinary event for middle and high school students in Vermont. The resolution acknowledges the competition's return after a pandemic-related pause and recognizes the three award categories: Crowd Pleaser, Lively Local, and Mise en Place. It specifically names the six winning teams that received awards in both morning and afternoon rounds across middle and high school divisions. The General Assembly directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to each winning team and to Vermont Afterschool, which oversees the event.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Small Farmer Diversification and Transition Program within Vermont's Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets to provide financial grants to small farmers. The program offers up to $15,000 per farmer annually to help with costs related to diversifying farm products, transitioning between different types of farming, processing products on-site, or developing accessory on-farm businesses. Eligible applicants must demonstrate they are small farmers, have a viable plan for additional income, and meet specific animal housing limits, with applications accepted between November 1 and December 31 each year. The bill appropriates $350,000 in one-time funds for fiscal year 2024 to implement the program, which takes effect on July 1, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution officially recognizes March 31, 2023, as Transgender Day of Visibility in Vermont. It expresses the state's support for the rights of all transgender Vermonters and opposes any legislation that would restrict those rights regardless of age. The resolution does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a formal statement of support from the General Assembly. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to three LGBTQ+ organizations in Vermont.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that formally congratulates the West Rutland High School Golden Horde girls' basketball team on winning their second consecutive Division IV state championship. The document recognizes the team's undefeated 23-0 season and acknowledges the players and coaches who contributed to their success. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the school as an official record of the legislature's recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a paid family and medical leave insurance program in Vermont, allowing eligible employees to take time off work for specific life events while receiving wage replacement benefits. It directly affects workers employed by companies with at least 10 to 15 employees, depending on the type of leave, and defines covered situations including parental leave for birth or adoption, family leave for serious health conditions, bereavement leave, safe leave for domestic violence victims, and leave for military family members. The legislation sets clear definitions for who qualifies as an employee, employer, and family member, including provisions for domestic partners and individuals with significant personal bonds beyond traditional family relationships. Key provisions include requirements for employers to fund the insurance program and establish policies that allow workers to take approved leave without losing their jobs.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution honors former President James Earl Carter as a tireless international humanitarian and public servant. The bill recognizes his post-presidential work, including conflict mediation, election monitoring, disease eradication efforts, and advocacy for affordable housing through Habitat for Humanity. It acknowledges his receipt of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize and his decision to enter hospice care. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to former President Carter.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially recognizes March 2023 as Social Work Month in Vermont to honor the contributions of social workers to improving human well-being and addressing social issues. The resolution highlights the profession's role in various settings including schools, hospitals, and government agencies, as well as its work supporting diverse communities and addressing challenges like the opioid crisis. It marks the 60th anniversary of Social Work Month and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the National Association of Social Workers Vermont Chapter.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution honoring Marshall Webb, a nonprofit cofounder and environmental advocate who passed away in 2022. It recognizes his contributions to Shelburne Farms, a Vermont center for sustainability education, and acknowledges his personal connection to the organization and the state. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Webb's family and Shelburne Farms as a formal expression of appreciation. This measure does not change laws or policies but serves to publicly acknowledge Webb's legacy and impact on the community.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires students graduating from Vermont public high schools to demonstrate civics knowledge as a condition of receiving a diploma. The law offers two pathways: passing the standard U.S. citizenship civics test with a minimum score of 60 percent, or completing one semester of community service with a local government organization under a mentor's supervision. The requirement applies to all public high school and career technical center students, though students with individualized education programs may participate at the discretion of their IEP team. The measure would take effect for students graduating in the 2025-2026 academic year or later.